As the summer water recreation season approaches, the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality's Division of Water Resources (DWR) reminds the public to avoid contact with discolored water that could indicate the presence of an algal bloom.
Algae are naturally occurring in all waterbodies. Algae are the base of the food web that supports aquatic organisms and our state’s fisheries. However, certain environmental conditions can cause rapid algal cell growth, leading to algal blooms. These conditions include increased nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus), elevated temperatures, increased sunlight and low or no water flow.
Certain algae can create toxins that can lead to adverse health effects in humans, pets and aquatic organisms. Blooms with excessive growth that could potentially cause negative impacts to people, animals or the environment are called harmful algal blooms (HABs). You cannot tell for sure by looking at a bloom whether it is harmful or not.
To report an algal bloom, contact the nearest DEQ regional office or submit a report online. To view reported algal bloom events, visit DWR’s Fish Kill & Algal Bloom Dashboard.
Based on preliminary reports received through the reporting tool, DEQ may collect water samples for further testing if an investigation is needed and resources are available. Samples are sent back to the Algae Lab for analysis. Detailed reports with a high-quality photo, contact information and description help staff identify priorities for investigation, such as blooms in publicly accessible, recreational waterways.
N.C. Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Health (DPH) routinely encourages the public to avoid contact with large accumulations of algae and to prevent children and pets from swimming or ingesting water in an algal bloom. Remember: When in doubt, stay out.
DPH suggests the following steps to safeguard against algal blooms:
Keep children and pets away from water that appears bright green, blue, discolored or scummy.
Do not handle or touch large mats of algae.
Avoid handling, cooking, or eating dead fish that may be present.
If you come into contact with an algal bloom, wash thoroughly.
Use clean water to rinse off pets that may have come into contact with an algal bloom.
If your child appears ill after being in waters containing an algal bloom, seek medical care immediately.
If your pet appears to stumble, stagger, or collapse after being in a pond, lake or river, seek veterinary care immediately.
DPH also reminds the public to take precautions as other microorganisms or pollution may be present in waterbodies that can lead to recreational water illness. For more tips on water safety, heat protection and food safety, see the latest release from NCDHHS.
To learn more about algal blooms, visit algae.nc.gov. For more information on the potential health effects from algal blooms, visit the DPH website.